Speculation: How Many Players Now Regret the Tortorella Firing?

[True Blue]

Not one of the least, THE LEAST successful franchise that is still active today in the HISTORY of the NHL. Some argued up to last year it was Chicago as measured by Cups but please, even before their 5th cup to our 4 Chicago clearly had more success in their history than the Rangers. More than double the division titles, more notable alumni, and an all-time franchise scorers list that embarrasses the hell out of ours (with all due respect to Gilbert,Leetch, and Ratelle). We've always had the worst history of the O6, but many expansion teams in their shorter span have dwarfed us in terms of success. This is why I've always found the arrogance of some of our fan base towards other fans of more successful franchises insufferable, with NYR fans only argument is "we have more fans." Of course you're gonna have more fans when you've been around for more than 50 years longer and in the most populated city no less.

Forget about the notable alumni, it is the sheer lack of having an identity and being anything other than mediocre that is bothersome. The fact of the matter is than in its long history, the NYR franchise has spend more time being an NHL joke or just utterly irrelevant than actually being successful.

This is why the firing of Torts bothered me. FINALLY, there was an identity. FINALLY the product on the ice was something that was largely homegrown and something to be proud of. And then it was all ripped apart. We were teased by a product that we can all be proud of for a few years and now it is back to a team that looks like the one where Dale Purinton and Boris Mironov played defense and Petr Nedved was the top center.

 

[RangersHank*]

Forget about the notable alumni, it is the sheer lack of having an identity and being anything other than mediocre that is bothersome. The fact of the matter is than in its long history, the NYR franchise has spend more time being an NHL joke or just utterly irrelevant than actually being successful.

This is why the firing of Torts bothered me. FINALLY, there was an identity. FINALLY the product on the ice was something that was largely homegrown and something to be proud of. And then it was all ripped apart. We were teased by a product that we can all be proud of for a few years and now it is back to a team that looks like the one where Dale Purinton and Boris Mironov played defense and Petr Nedved was the top center.

Goos post. People wanna see fast exciting hockey. Some even complain about our 109 point season a couple years ago. Torts was the best coach in a long time and will continue to be until another one proves otherwise.

 

[True Blue]

People wanna see fast exciting hockey. Some even complain about our 109 point season a couple years ago. Torts was the best coach in a long time and will continue to be until another one proves otherwise.

My feelings exactly.

 

[True Blue]

I agree. AV is doing a good job given the situation he is in. I don't know how much you expect a coach to do... in the end it's up to the players to go out there and play the game better than the other team plays the game. These guys have been playing hockey their entire lives... they know what needs to be done. Hockey is a simple sport and I don't believe a coach changes the outcome as much as some of you (and the media) might have you think.

Funny, but I remember the same types of comments for the Renneys of the world. At some point, the coach bears the responsibility when the players do not put forth the necessary effort to win. There is ZERO excuse for what transpired in the last two thirds of the Jets game. The question that is still not being answered is how does one of the hardest working teams in the league go to one that either does not show up at all on half the nights or decides that hard work is not for them and that their magnificent skill can overcome all?

I don't know. Maybe a feel good atmosphere where everyone sings kum ba ya is not the right answer. Maybe there is nothing wrong with being held accountable and being benched or scratched when not playing hard.

 

[GordonGecko]

Maybe a feel good atmosphere where everyone sings kum ba ya is not the right answer.

Are you suggesting that this is the atmosphere AV has established?

 

[True Blue]

Are you suggesting that this is the atmosphere AV has established?

That is exactly what I am saying

 

[GordonGecko]

That is exactly what I am saying

talk about delusional, lol

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Are you suggesting that this is the atmosphere AV has established?

Are you suggesting its not? That was his mandate coming in. Evil Torts stifled these guys, and now we needed a coach that would foster the immense skill that Sather put together and let these guys have fun out there. Hows that going? Like a rudderless ship, thats how.

Theres about 100 issues with this team, but Ill break it down to 2 major ones:

1. This team simply does not battle and take the body. I don't know if its because they drank the kool-aid being served to them, but they dont do the little things necessary to win. The stick checks on the offensive and defensive side of the puck is often sickening to watch.

2. Making #1 even worse, THIS TEAM IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY A SKILL GAME. They were human turnover machines last night, and have been for the majority of the season. What do you expect when you're asking perpetually inconsistent Derek Brassard to make a cross-ice pass like he attempted last night?

Overall, it has little to do with AV. The GM gave these guys a free pass to play a wide open game that they cant handle and dont deserve.

 

[GordonGecko]

I guess compared to a tyrant (Torts) every other coach looks like the kumbaya scout master. Dan Bylsma or Darryl Sutter would probably blow your mind

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I guess compared to a tyrant (Torts) every other coach looks like the kumbaya scout master. Larry Robinson would probably blow your mind

By the end of the season, you'll be believing that a tyrant is what this team needed.

But oh right, you like "exciting hockey," which apparently means 100 neutral zone turnovers a game, no physicality, and STILL not being able to get the 3rd goal.

 

[GordonGecko]

By the end of the season, you'll be believing that a tyrant is what this team needed.

But oh right, you like "exciting hockey," which apparently means 100 neutral zone turnovers a game and STILL not being able to get the 3rd goal.

There's a track record with Tortorella - failure and burnout. Now we'll see what AV can do, if he can't get the job done then he'll be replaced too.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

There's a track record with Tortorella - failure and burnout. Let's see what AV can do

You're seeing it. Its not his fault. He doesnt have good players, period. You like to make every conversation about the coach, its not. Its about a roster full of holes every single friggin season.

 

[RangersHank*]

There's a track record with Tortorella - failure and burnout. Now we'll see what AV can do, if he can't get the job done then he'll be replaced too.

Torts did the best he could do with what he had, can AV?

 

[Mikos87]

That is exactly what I am saying

Agree 100%. Effort should never be questioned.

 

[True Blue]

There's a track record with Tortorella - failure and burnout.

There is also a Cup. 5 years with the Rangers: 4 years in playoffs; 3 years as one of final 8 teams standing; 1 ECF. What was the last Rangers coach that you can point out to that has had the same success?

Now we'll see what AV can do, if he can't get the job done then he'll be replaced too.

I'd say you are seeing it.

 

[True Blue]

talk about delusional, lol

How many games under Torts did the team not exhibit effort or not be prepared to battle? And I am talking in 5 years. How many lackadaisical games have you seen in a third of a year under AV? More than in the previous 5 years combined.

 

[RangersHank*]

There is also a Cup. 5 years with the Rangers: 4 years in playoffs; 3 years as one of final 8 teams standing; 1 ECF. What was the last Rangers coach that you can point out to that has had the same success?

I'd say you are seeing it.

Well its not much is it? We need to cut this dead weight. Get through the season and if we suck then draft well or trade up for a good forward. No need to do anything crazy now, we are seeing who we should keep and who we shouldnt. If it was my call, i trade Callahan and Girardi at the deadline. I dont give a damn what they did in the past, they look so out of place that its not even funny.I love them but are we winning right now? I have my doubts. everybody wants to trade DZ, keep DZ and leave him on the left, switch Moore to right or bring up Dylan. Resign Hank and buy out Richards and get rid of Pyatt, Pouliot, Asham, we save some money right there.

 

[RangersHank*]

How many games under Torts did the team not exhibit effort or not be prepared to battle? And I am talking in 5 years. How many lackadaisical games have you seen in a third of a year under AV? More than in the previous 5 years combined.

I like AV but he seems pretty soft imo. I loved Torts attitude and passion, not comparing them just saying. He doesnt use timeouts either. This new coach thing is backfiring so far

 

[BBKers]

Tortorella missed the playoffs his first full season in New York. Only time since the first lockout that happened. His ECF appearence was more of a fluke than a rule of his tenure. Rode the horses into the ground. However, AV is hardly the most likable guy. It all falls on one person. The Cigar Man

 

[RangersHank*]

Tortorella missed the playoffs his first full season in New York. Only time since the first lockout that happened. His ECF appearence was more of a fluke than a rule of his tenure. Rode the horses into the ground. However, AV is hardly the most likable guy. It all falls on one person. The Cigar Man

How was a conference final appearance a fluke? In this day and age with the pathetic history this team has, you call its only ECF appearance in years a fluke?? Why is it a fluke, because Hank played amazing? He did his job. Pucks bounced our way? We finally had some luck. Torts rode them? Damn right and it resulted in 109 points and an ECF appearance which i am proud of. Another top 6 winger and we beat NJ that year, ran out of gas due to the lack of depth. Its a fluke because the team pulled together as one and did their jobs?

 

[Florida Ranger]

Tortorella missed the playoffs his first full season in New York. Only time since the first lockout that happened. His ECF appearence was more of a fluke than a rule of his tenure. Rode the horses into the ground. However, AV is hardly the most likable guy. It all falls on one person. The Cigar Man

The 94 Cup was a fluke too.

 

[GordonGecko]

How many games under Torts did the team not exhibit effort or not be prepared to battle? And I am talking in 5 years. How many lackadaisical games have you seen in a third of a year under AV? More than in the previous 5 years combined.

And that's because AV has a resort kumbaya club in there? I don't buy it.

For me all that matters is the team goes far in the playoffs and ultimately wins the cup. As long as the effort is there in the Spring that's what's going to matter. Gotta get a playoff spot first but I don't think that's going to be a problem.

It's pretty common in the NHL where players dog it during lots of games in the regular season but then go on a tear in the playoffs when they put in maximum effort. I'd rather have that than them burn out in the first half of the year

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

And that's because AV has a resort kumbaya club in there? I don't buy it.

You don't notice a difference in intensity?

For me all that matters is the team goes far in the playoffs and ultimately wins the cup. As long as the effort is there in the Spring that's what's going to matter. Gotta get a playoff spot first but I don't think that's going to be a problem.

Ah yes, the playoffs. Where AV has had his most success.

It's pretty common in the NHL where players dog it during lots of games in the regular season but then go on a tear in the playoffs when they put in maximum effort. I'd rather have that than them burn out in the first half of the year

Interesting that it's common for players to dog it when every coach talks about how tough and tight and competitive each game is. Seems to be a disconnect there.

 

[Raspewtin]

How was a conference final appearance a fluke? In this day and age with the pathetic history this team has, you call its only ECF appearance in years a fluke?? Why is it a fluke, because Hank played amazing? He did his job. Pucks bounced our way? We finally had some luck. Torts rode them? Damn right and it resulted in 109 points and an ECF appearance which i am proud of. Another top 6 winger and we beat NJ that year, ran out of gas due to the lack of depth. Its a fluke because the team pulled together as one and did their jobs?

It was a fluke because 9.5/10 that appearance doesn't happen. Teams with no scoring depth whatsoever and rely heavily on defense don't get that far, ever. They scored literally just enough goals to win each game. They deserved a first round knockout the way they played, in each series.

For all the talk of Torts getting the most effort out of his club, that effort conveniently took a nosedive in the playoffs each year.

That run is probably the worst thing that happened to this team, it let Sather believe we're truly one or two pieces from appearing in the SCF.

 

[Machinehead]

How many games under Torts did the team not exhibit effort or not be prepared to battle? And I am talking in 5 years. How many lackadaisical games have you seen in a third of a year under AV? More than in the previous 5 years combined.

If that was true Torts wouldn't have had to go on an epic rant about how much we suck every few games.